2. The Need
• Decrease in funding from grants and donations
• Increase in number of people unemployed and
in need of services
• Increase in business costs
“Christmas spirit seems to wear off fairly quickly,
taking with it the tug at heart strings to give to
those less fortunate. But nonprofits still have
daily needs, holiday season or not.”
Times News Twin Falls, December 30, 2010
3. Overcoming the Misconceptions
• I don’t have time because I am too busy
looking for work
• There is no one who needs what I can give
• It may affect my unemployment insurance
4. Too busy looking for work
• Volunteering should complement not replace
your overall job search strategy
• If you are spending 100% of your time on
your own, you are missing the boat
• Being isolated in your search will hurt you in
the end
5. Who needs what I can give
• Organizations need people with skills in:
– Administrative/office – Technology: IT, web
– Project management – Accounting
– Customer service – Shipping/receiving
– Marketing/communications – Driving
– Graphic design – Teaching/training
– Fund raising – Human resources
– Event planning – Much, much more
– Business development
6. Unemployment Insurance
• To receive unemployment insurance your
priority should be to seek and obtain full-
time, paid work
• You must be available to accept work if
offered
• Were you available for work? (weekly
continued claim question)
7. Build your network
• Other volunteers
• Staff
• Board members
• Community leaders
• Retirees
• Customers
8. Build experience/keep current
• Close employment gaps
• Enhance a résumé with experience
• Apply or develop skills to stay current
Barbara Balsan volunteered at Boise
Rescue Mission Ministries performing database
management. Previous to this position she was
a domestic homemaker for 20 years. Boise
Rescue Mission taught her how to use the
latest tools as things had changed a little since
she left the workplace. She proved to be a
diligent and detail-oriented worker. She now
serves as their paid Administrative Assistant.
9. Facilitates good references
• Colleagues, board members or staff can serve
as strong references and provide feedback to
potential employers on your performance
10. Spark interest and learning
• Explore different occupations and industries
• Explore other opportunities within the
organization
• Give you insight into the culture and practices
of the organization
11. Boost self esteem
• Overcome the feeling of isolation
• Know that you are making a difference in
someone’s life
• Gives you perspective
12. Give back to the community
“It’s hard to describe how much better it feels
to get to the end of the day and, even, if
you haven’t made any money, feel like you
did some good for the world.”
Rick Overton
Laid off in January 2010 from a copywriting position
Volunteered with United Way of Treasure Valley
Wall Street Journal, March 17, 2009
13. Can lead to paid work
After being laid off Joe Stanek started volunteering
at the Meridian Foodbank to get out of the house.
He proved his strong work ethic as a sorter and
driver and was offered full-time work as a
warehouse worker in November 2010.
After excelling in working with the kids and
serving as a great example of character in her
volunteer position at Fort Boise Teen Center,
Christina Stevens was offered a part-time, paid
position with the Idaho Parks and Recreation.
“I started as a volunteer for Wishing Star
Foundation when my child was a baby in 2001
and was offered the Boise Regional Director
position in 2006. I love my job!!!”
Tracy Shaw
14. Seeking Opportunities
• Ideally experience should be consistent and
ongoing for a period of time
• Formal and can be tracked by an organization
• Fits your interests and knowledge
• Matches your target audience and makes you
more marketable to potential employers
21. The Desire
• Be sincere with your intentions
• Do it for the right reasons
“The most important thing to remember is to give your
time because you want to not because you have to.”
Sandi Borup, Volunteer Coordinator
Southwest Idaho Directors of Volunteer Services
• Results may be indirect and gradual
22. Be a responsible volunteer
• Always be on time
• Find the right fit
• Observe confidentiality procedures
• Be realistic about availability and ability
• Commit to the cause and the outcome
23. An added benefit
• You can deduct out-of-pocket expenses
associated with your volunteering
– Mileage, gas and oil
– Parking fees
– Travel expenses: bus transportation, taxi fares,
lodging costs, meals
– Cost and upkeep of uniforms
• For more information go to Publication 526,
Charitable Contributions,
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf
24. Conclusion
• There is no reason why you shouldn’t be
volunteering
• Benefits of volunteering
– Build your network
– Build experience/keep current
– Facilitates good references
– Spark interest and learning
– Boost self esteem
– Give back to the community
• Be a responsible, committed volunteer
